Buy me a coffeeSir Balin le Savage, The Knight with Two Swords,
Legendary Arthurian knight Sir Balin le Savage wields two deadly swords in a tragic tale of fate, fury, and fatal destiny that reshaped the Grail legend forever.
- Alias(es): The Knight with Two Swords, Le Savage
- Gender: Male
- Race/Species: Human
- Occupation/Role: Knight, Warrior of Arthurian Legend
- Religion/Belief System: Christian (medieval Arthurian Christian context, with reverence for the Grail and chivalric virtues)
- Key Allies: King Arthur, Sir Balan (brother, though tragic rival), Knights of the Round Table (variable, often allied but also isolated by fate)
- Primary Enemies or Rivals: The Fisher King (due to the Dolorous Stroke), fate/destiny itself, and tragic misfortune; occasional foes in war and tournament
- Abode / Base of Operations: Camelot and various Arthurian realms; no fixed stronghold, often a wandering knight
- Nationality / Cultural Background: Briton, medieval Celtic/Arthurian cultural milieu
- Languages Spoken: Old English, Old French (typical of Arthurian knights)
- Moral Alignment: Chaotic Good — fiercely loyal and honorable but driven by passion and sometimes impulsive rage
- Affiliations / Factions: Knights of the Round Table (nominal), Arthurian nobility, various questing bands and chivalric orders
- Significant Others / Romantic Ties: Generally not emphasized in legend; some versions imply strong bonds to fellow knights and kin rather than romantic entanglements
Sir Balin le Savage stands as one of the most tragic and enigmatic figures in Arthurian legend—a knight whose valor and fury were matched only by the weight of fate and sorrow he bore. Known as the Knight with Two Swords, Balin’s life was a turbulent saga of heroic deeds, fatal mistakes, and a destiny entwined with the very fate of the Grail itself. His story is a powerful meditation on honor, rage, and the unintended consequences of great power.
Early Life and Origins
Balin’s beginnings are shrouded in mystery and steeped in the traditions of chivalry and kinship. Raised in a noble household, he was taught the arts of war and the codes of knighthood from a young age. Unlike many knights of calm dignity, Balin’s fiery temperament and passionate spirit set him apart early on. His epithet, “le Savage,” was not a mark of cruelty, but rather of his untamed fighting style and impulsive nature.
Raised alongside his brother Balan—whom he would tragically meet in mortal combat—Balin’s youth was marked by loyalty and fierce brotherhood, qualities that would later be tested by fate’s cruel hand.
Major Events and Exploits
The Two Swords
Balin’s identity as a knight was inseparable from the two swords he wielded. One was a mighty longsword, symbolizing his strength and courage; the other, the infamous Dolorous Stroke, a blade cursed to inflict a grievous wound on the Fisher King. The dual wielding of these swords was as much a physical feat as it was a metaphor for Balin’s conflicted nature—his strength and fury balanced against the burden of destiny.
The Dolorous Stroke
Perhaps Balin’s most fateful act was delivering the Dolorous Stroke to the Fisher King, an event that plunged the king’s lands into decay and set the quest for the Holy Grail into motion. This blow was not born of malice, but of tragic inevitability—a moment when Balin’s fury and fatalism converged. The wound would not heal, and the land suffered in its shadow, marking Balin forever as both a hero and a harbinger of sorrow.
The Fatal Duel
In a heartrending twist, Balin’s life ended in a duel with his own brother, Sir Balan, neither aware of their kinship in the heat of battle. Their fatal clash symbolizes the tragic themes that permeate Balin’s life: misunderstanding, fate’s cruelty, and the destructive consequences of uncontrolled passion. This event underscored the bitter ironies of Balin’s journey—a knight who fought for honor and loyalty but was undone by fate’s design.
Key Achievements
- Mastery of Dual Swordsmanship: Balin’s skill in wielding two swords simultaneously was unmatched, a feat that earned him renown across the lands.
- Catalyst for the Grail Quest: Through the Dolorous Stroke, Balin unwittingly set the stage for one of the most important quests in Arthurian myth, impacting kings and knights alike.
- Legacy of Tragic Heroism: Despite his flaws and fatal mistakes, Balin’s courage and unwavering dedication to knighthood left a lasting mark on the Arthurian world, inspiring stories of bravery and sacrifice.
Character Analysis
Fears and Motivations
Balin’s greatest fear was the loss of honor and the destruction of those he loved, yet paradoxically, his impulsive rage often brought harm to both. His motivations were driven by a profound sense of duty, loyalty, and a desire to protect his kingdom and kin, even if that led to unintended consequences. Beneath his savage exterior lay a deeply wounded soul struggling against fate’s inexorable pull.
Ultimate Goals
At his core, Balin sought to be a paragon of knighthood—valiant, just, and fierce. His ultimate goal was to serve his king and land with unwavering loyalty, hoping to carve a legacy of valor. Tragically, this goal was overshadowed by the inevitability of his cursed fate and the destructive power of his own passions.
Significance and Legacy
Sir Balin le Savage’s story resonates because it embodies the timeless conflict between human will and destiny. His life is a narrative of heroism marred by tragedy, a cautionary tale about the consequences of unchecked fury, and a reflection on the cost of greatness. His unique position in Arthurian legend—as both a champion and a harbinger of doom—makes him one of the most compelling and complex figures of the mythic age.
Through his deeds and downfall, Balin invites us to ponder the balance between strength and wisdom, passion and restraint, and the eternal struggle to shape one’s own destiny amidst forces beyond control.
Sir Balin le Savage, 5e
Sir Balin le Savage, Pathfinder
Sir Balin le Savage
Medium humanoid (human), chaotic good
Lore & Background
Known as the Knight with Two Swords, Sir Balin le Savage is one of the most feared and fated warriors of Arthurian romance. His unmatched skill with paired blades brought him glory, yet his impetuous nature earned him the epithet “Le Savage.” In the ancient chronicles, he slew a knight in Arthur’s court without leave, claimed the cursed Sword with the Red Scabbard, and delivered the infamous Dolorous Stroke — a blow that wounded the Grail King and doomed the realm.
Balin’s story is one of heroic prowess shadowed by destiny’s cruelty. In the end, he faced his brother Balan in mortal combat, neither recognizing the other until both lay dying. Theirs is a tale of valor, honor, and the peril of ungoverned passion.
Stat Block
Armor Class 18 (plate armor)
Hit Points 178 (21d8 + 84)
Speed 30 ft.
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 14 (+2) | 18 (+4) | 10 (+0) | 12 (+1) | 16 (+3) |
Saving Throws Str +10, Con +9, Wis +6, Cha +8
Skills Athletics +10, Insight +6, Intimidation +8, Perception +6
Senses passive Perception 16
Languages Common (English), Old French
Challenge 11 (7,200 XP)
Proficiency Bonus +5
Traits & Abilities
- Two-Weapon Fighting Mastery. Balin adds his ability modifier to off-hand weapon damage and can draw or stow both swords as part of the same action.
- Action Surge (1/Short Rest). Take one additional action on his turn.
- Indomitable (2/Long Rest). Reroll a failed saving throw.
- Brutal Critical (1 die). Roll one extra weapon damage die on a critical hit.
- Knight’s Resolve. If Balin starts his turn with half HP or fewer, he gains temporary hit points equal to his proficiency bonus.
- Slayer of Dragons. His longsword deals an additional 1d8 fire damage against dragons.
Actions
Multiattack. Balin makes three melee attacks: two with his longsword and one with his shortsword.
- Dragonsbane (Longsword, +1)
Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 12 (1d8 + 8) slashing damage, plus 1d8 fire damage to dragons. - Serpent’s Fang (Shortsword, +1)
Melee Weapon Attack: +10 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target.
Hit: 10 (1d6 + 8) slashing damage, plus 1d6 poison damage. - Sweeping Strike (Recharge 5–6). Balin swings in a wide arc. Each creature of his choice within 5 feet must make a DC 18 Dexterity saving throw, taking his longsword’s weapon damage on a fail, or half on a success.
Reactions
- Deflect Attack. Add +5 to AC against one melee attack that would hit him.
- Parry & Riposte. When a melee attack misses Balin, he can make a shortsword attack against the attacker.
Legendary Actions (3/round)
Balin can take 3 legendary actions, only one at a time and only at the end of another creature’s turn.
- Burst of Speed. Move up to his speed without provoking opportunity attacks.
- Devastating Strike. Make one melee weapon attack.
- Inspiring Presence (Costs 2 Actions). Allies within 30 ft. gain advantage on their next attack roll or saving throw before Balin’s next turn.
Lair Actions (in his war camp or training yard)
On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Balin can:
- Commanding Shout. Allies within 60 ft. can immediately move up to half their speed.
- Duelist’s Stance. Gain +2 AC and advantage on melee attack rolls until next round’s initiative count 20.
- Shield Wall. Balin and adjacent allies gain +2 AC until the next round.
Equipment
- Dragonsbane – Longsword +1, deals +1d8 fire damage to dragons.
- Serpent’s Fang – Shortsword +1, deals +1d6 poison damage.
- Plate armor, shield
- Potion of Greater Healing
Optional Mythic Trait — The Fatal Duel
If Balin is reduced to 0 HP, he does not fall unconscious. Instead, he fights on with half his maximum HP, driven by tragic destiny. At the end of his next turn, his HP is set to 0 and he collapses. This ability triggers only once.
Sir Balin le Savage
Medium humanoid (human), Chaotic Good
CR: 10
XP: 9,600
Abilities Summary
| Str | Dex | Con | Int | Wis | Cha |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20 (+5) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) | 12 (+1) | 14 (+2) | 16 (+3) |
Defenses
- AC: 28 = 10 + 8 (Masterwork Plate Armor) + 2 (Dexterity) + 2 (Natural Armor) + 3 (Ring of Protection +3) + 3 (Amulet of Natural Armor +3)
- HP: 140 (16d10 + 48)
- Fortitude: +14
- Reflex: +9
- Will: +11
- DR: 5/magic (from plate armor)
- Resistances: None
Speed
- 30 ft.
Saving Throws
- Fortitude +14, Reflex +9, Will +11
Attacks
- Longsword (Dragon-hilted; +1d6 fire damage vs dragons): Melee +14/+9 (1d8+8 slashing + 1d6 fire damage vs dragons, crit 19–20/x2)
- Shortsword (Serpentine-hilted; +1d4 poison damage): Melee +14/+9 (1d6+8 piercing + 1d4 poison damage, Fortitude DC 16, crit 19–20/x2)
Combat Abilities & Features
- Two-Weapon Fighting (Improved & Greater): Wields two swords simultaneously with no penalties on secondary attacks
- Brutal Critical (Longsword): Adds one extra damage die on a critical hit with longsword
- Indomitable Might: Uses Strength modifier instead of Dexterity for Athletics checks
- Action Surge (1/day): Gain one extra full attack action in a round
- Deflect Attack (Ex): Immediate action to add +5 AC against one melee attack that would hit
- Inspiring Presence (Su, 3/day): Allies within 30 ft gain +2 morale bonus on attack rolls or saving throws against fear for 3 rounds
- Knight’s Honor: +2 bonus on Diplomacy and Intimidate checks in matters of chivalry and honor
- Lair Actions: See below
Skills
- Athletics +19 (10 ranks +5 Str +4 class skill)
- Diplomacy +16 (10 ranks +3 Cha +3 class skill)
- Intimidate +15 (10 ranks +3 Cha +2 class skill)
- Perception +14 (10 ranks +2 Wis +2 class skill)
- Insight +14 (10 ranks +2 Wis +2 class skill)
Feats
- Power Attack
- Cleave
- Improved Two-Weapon Fighting
- Greater Two-Weapon Fighting
- Weapon Focus (Longsword)
- Weapon Specialization (Longsword)
- Combat Reflexes
- Toughness
- Dodge
- Mobility
Equipment
- Masterwork Plate Armor (non-magical)
- Dragon-hilted Longsword (legendary weapon; +1d6 fire damage vs dragons)
- Serpentine-hilted Shortsword (inflicts minor poison)
- Ring of Protection +3
- Amulet of Natural Armor +3
- Belt of Giant Strength +4 (boosts Strength to 20)
- Noble destrier (warhorse) named Ardent
- Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds ×2
Lair Actions
Sir Balin’s lair is a ruined chapel hidden deep within an ancient forest, echoing with the weight of his tragic fate.
- Echoes of the Past (Su): On initiative count 20 (losing initiative ties), Balin causes a wave of sorrow to wash over foes. Enemies within 30 ft must succeed on a DC 16 Will save or become shaken for 1 round.
- Sacred Flame (Su): Once per round, Balin can ignite a 10-ft radius around him in holy flames. Enemies in the area must make a DC 16 Reflex save or take 3d6 fire damage (half on success).
- Rallying Cry (Su): Allies within 30 ft gain a +1 morale bonus on attack and damage rolls until the start of Balin’s next turn.
Actions
- Multiattack: Balin makes two longsword attacks and one shortsword attack each round.
- Longsword (Dragon-hilted): Melee +14/+9, 1d8+8 slashing + 1d6 fire damage vs dragons, critical 19–20/x2
- Shortsword (Serpentine-hilted): Melee +14/+9, 1d6+8 piercing + 1d4 poison damage (Fort DC 16), critical 19–20/x2
Reactions
- Deflect Attack (Ex): As an immediate action, Balin can add +5 AC against one melee attack that would hit him.
Lore & Background
Sir Balin le Savage is the tragic and fiery knight from Arthurian legend known as the “Knight with Two Swords.” Born to nobility and raised in the ideals of chivalry, Balin’s tempestuous spirit and unmatched prowess with twin blades set him apart.
His fateful act—the Dolorous Stroke—wounded the Fisher King and cursed the land, igniting the quest for the Holy Grail. Despite the devastation, Balin fought not out of malice but honor and fury, embodying the tragic hero torn between loyalty and fate.
His two swords, the Dragon-hilted longsword and the Serpentine-hilted shortsword, symbolize his dual nature—fiery strength and deadly precision—and his relentless, doomed quest for redemption and peace.
Balin’s tale is one of passion, honor, and the heavy price of destiny, making him a uniquely compelling figure in the Arthurian mythos and a fearsome foe or ally in any Pathfinder campaign.